at Rome, Mr. Beard, the artist, was always drawing pictures of her:
at Naples, when poor Mr. M. went away to look after his affairs at St.
Petersburg, little Count Posilippo was for ever coming to learn English
and practise duets. She scarcely ever saw the poor children--[changing
her manner as Lady KICKLEBURY enters] Hush--my lady!

TOUCHIT.--You may well say, "poor children," deprived of such a woman!
Miss Prior, whom I knew in very early days--as your ladyship knows--was
speaking--was speaking of the loss our poor friend sustained.

LADY K.--Ah, sir, what a loss! [looking at the picture.]

TOUCHIT.--What a woman she was--what a superior creature!

LADY K.--A creature--an angel!

TOUCHIT.--Mercy upon us! how she and my lady used to quarrel! [aside.]
What a temper!

LADY K.--Hm--oh, yes--what a temper [rather doubtfully at first].

TOUCHIT.--What a loss to Milliken and the darling children!

MISS PRIOR.--Luckily they have YOU with them madam.

LADY K.--And I will stay with them, Miss Prior; I will stay with them! I
will never part from Horace, I am determined.

MISS P.--Ah! I am very glad you stay, for if I had not YOU for a
protector, I think you know I must go, Lady Kicklebury. I think you